Overview
Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu – Overview
- First day: Cusco – Soraypampa -Soyrococha- Huayracmachay
- Second day: Huayracmacay- Qollpapampa-Lucmabamba
- Third day: Lucmabamba – Llactapata Inca Remains-Hydroelectric-Aguas Calientes
- Fourth day: Aguas Calientes-Machu Picchu-Cusco
Useful Information
- Starting Altitude: 3800m / 12,467 ft
- Highest altitude: 4650 m/ 15,252 ft
- Walking Distance: 58 km / 36 miles
- Overall Trek Difficulty: Challenging.
Itinerary
Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu – Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Soyrococha – Huayracmachay
We will pick you up at 4:30 a.m in private transport from your hotel in Cusco. We then begin a scenic 4 hour drive through the mountains to our starting point at Soraypampa. Along the drive, we pass through the town of Limatambo an important point of access to the city of Cusco during the time of the Inca Empire. Here the stunning archaeological remains of Tarawasi are located.
The road continues off the beaten track along the right shore of the Apurimac River and crosses the town of Mollepata (2800m/9184ft) where we finally reach Soraypampa (3800m/12464ft). Here we will share breakfast and get to know one another while our horse are being loaded with our gear. Then we begin our journey to Machu Picchu!
The first three and a half hours will consist of a gradual ascent until we reach our lunch spot. Along the way, the views of the Salkantay Valley and the Salkantay Mountain are stunning. We will share lunch at the foot of Salkantay, truly an incredible spot.
After lunch, we will continue climbing for approximately one hour until we reach the highest point of our trek, standing at Salkantay Pass at an impressive 4,650 meters. The climb is well worth it, as when we making it to this this point we have a vantage point of 2 different valleys and the Salkantay Mountain.
Then it is 2 hours downhill from here, until we reach our first campsite at Wayracammachay resting at 3,800 meters. The downhill part can be slippery, which may require the use of trekking poles. Once we arrive at our home for the night, we will relax surrounded the natural beauty and enjoy a deliciously prepared dinner by our trekking chef.
- Accommodations: Camping
- Maximum Altitude: 4650 m/ 15,252 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 3,800 m/ 12,467 ft
- Walking Distance: 16 km /9,940 miles
- Approximate walking time: 7-8 hours
Day 2: Huayracmachay – Qollpapampa – Lucmabamba
We will wake up early with a warm cup of coca tea and gorgeous views of Salkantay and Humantay Mountains. After breakfast, we will begin a 3- hour downhill hike to Qolpapampa. During this portion of our trek we will be admits the cloud forest and pass through the quaint village of Chaullay. Once at Qollpapampa, we will have lunch and take a rest with views of the what seems as endless mountain ranges.
After lunch, we will begin our adventure through the rainforest, following the rushing Santa Teresa river. Throughout, you will see a variety of lush and vibrant flora and fauna, not to mention the incredible sounds from the rainforest creatures. We will pass a beautiful waterfall, where we will stop and take photos. This part of our hike will be approximately 5 to 6 hours and along the way we will have the opportunity to see multiple coffee and banana plantations, as well as fields of passion fruit, gorgeous!
It will be approximately 5:00 pm when we reach Lucmabamba, our campsite for the evening. Here we will relax and get a good night’s rest for the next day.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Afternoon Snacks/Dinner
- Accommodations: Camping
- Maximum Altitude: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 2,050 m / 6,725 ft
- Walking Distance: 18 km / 11,184 miles
- Approximate walking time: 8-9 hours
Day 3: Lucmabamba – Llactapata Inca Ruins – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
We will wake up early and have a hot tea and breakfast. Today´s hike starts with a moderate 3-hour climb through the rainforest until we reach the Llactapata Inca site (2,700 m/8,856 ft). Once at Llactapata, we will enjoy an extensive tour learning of the history this site holds. This is the location where you will have your first view of the ancient citadel Machu Picchu in the far distance. Also, you will be able to see the neighboring mountains of Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu!
As we leave Llactapata, we will descend for 2 ½ hours to Hidroelectrica. Here we will enjoy lunch and then board the 3 pm train. After a 45 minute trip through the lush high jungle, we will arrive in Aguas Calientes. We will check into your comfortable hotel accommodations and then you can enjoy a hot shower. Then you have the rest of the early evening to explore the lovely town and maybe visit the artisan market. After, we will share a lovely dinner at delicious restaurant in town.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Maximum Altitude: 3,100 m / 10,170 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 1,800 m / 5,905 ft
- Walking Distance: 13 km / 7 miles
- Approximate walking time: 6-7 hours
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
You will wake up early and enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Then we will board the first train taking you up through the cloud forest to the citadel Machu Picchu. We will arrive just in time to see the sunrise over the ruins, an incredible photo opportunity. Then you will embark on a 2 hour guided tour with our professional tour guide. Throughout this informative tour, you will visit temples, ceremonial sites, fountains, and much more. You will learn about the fascinating history of the Inca and their incredible ingenuity in agriculture and architecture to be able to live so high up in the mountains thousands of years ago.
After the tour, you will have ample free time to explore the vast ancient city or if you have elected climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain. Both of these mountains provide for an incredible alternate vantage point of the ruins.
In the afternoon, you will take a scenic train ride from the high jungle through the mountains to the Sacred Valley of the Inca. Our stop will be at the beautiful Ollantaytambo from where you will board private transport back to your hotel in Cusco.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Maximum Altitude: 2,440 m / 8,052 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 2,040 m / 6,691 ft
Inclusions
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Includes:
- Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
- Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+
- Pre trek briefing 1 or 2 days before your trek
- Transfer upon arrival from airport or bus station in Cusco to your Hotel
- Chef
- Breakfast on Day 1
- Mules to carry cooking and camping equipment and 7kg of your personal items.
- Pick-up from your hotel
- Transportation by bus to Mollepata/Soraypampa
- Return transportation by train and bus to Cusco
- Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own)
- 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Afternoon Snacks and 3 Dinners. If you have a dietary such as vegetarian food please let us know,and request with no cost at all.
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- a 4-men tent for every 2 trekkers
- Hotel on Day 3
- Sleeping mattress
- Oxygen bottle
- First aid kit
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Bus Tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu-round trip
Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu Does Not Include:
- Lunch and Dinner on Day 4
- Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us)
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain-US$70
- Tips for the crew
- Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip
What you need to take for Salkantay Trek.
- Original Passport
- Valid STUDENT CARD (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
- Warm jacket
- Hat and gloves
- T-shirts
- Comfortable Trousers
- Sun hat
- Sun cream
- Insect repellant
- Toiletries and hand sanitiser
- Personal medication
- Camera and film
- Torch with spare batteries
- Towel
- Swim suit
Price
Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu – Prices
- US$650 per person
Discounts:
- Student Discount: US$20 (Requires Valid STUDENT CARD to qualify)
- Under 15 years Discount: US$30 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Optional Extras:
- Hiking Poles US$10
- Sleeping Bag US$20
- Single Tent Supplement US$20
- Additional Night in Aguas Calientes US$90
- Vistadome Train Upgrade US$60
- Huayna Picchu Mountain US$70
- Machu Picchu Mountain US$70
FAQs
Additional
SPECIAL ADDITIONALS:
- Inflatable Mattress (Included)
- Pillow (Included)
- Blanket (Included)
- Extra 7 kg of personal items (Included).All of our treks include porters, who are responsible for carrying and setting up all equipment. They will also carry your personal duffel, which you will receive at your briefing the night before your trek. This duffel can not exceed 7 kg/14 lbs, and must include your sleeping bag and an air mattress.
